What better way to get a little more use out of an old pair of jeans that has seen better days, than to make it into a scarecrow costume? The more rips and tears and worse for wear, the better! Sew on or iron on a few patches just for details, and then add some straw or raffia peeking out from the bottom of the pants legs. Tie off the bottom of the pants (loosely) with some old rope or a piece of clothesline rope or twine.
You may also be able to find some old bib overalls at a second hand store or garage sale, and they would be perfect for a scarecrow costume. Just wash them up, stuff some of the looser areas with crumbled up newspaper and make some straw peek out here and there.
If you don’t have an old flannel shirt, you can pick up a new one at a discount store for a few dollars, or pick up a worn looking on at thrift shop. Cut holes in the elbows and poke a little straw through the holes. Use rope or twine at the cuffs, just like the pants, and use rope as a “belt.” Have some straw peeking out of the shirt at the neckline as well, and sew on or iron on a few patches.
*Your child will want to wear another shirt underneath the flannel shirt to help protect against the scratchy feel of the straw.
See if you can find an old straw hat. If not, tie a bandana over your child’s hair and have some straw poking out, or pick up a cheap, felt cowboy hat in the costume or toy section.
Paint your child’s face if desired. If making a girl scarecrow, paint on big eyelashes and bright red lips and use a pretty shirt instead of flannel.